A BRIEF MESSAGE FROM VERTICAL VIEWER

Good evening to everyone out there in the blogger world. I trust you all had a great weekend, just a short note to inform everyone that I will be out the office for at least close to two weeks. So until we meet again, stay faithful serving the Lord, be the salt and light we were meant to be, be a witness for the Lord. Again let me just say; Thank You So Much For Your Prayers And Support. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since I created Vertical Viewer, it’s been quite challenging to say the least but worth every moment of preparation. Trust me I know there are other blog site’s that put mine shame but I do the best I can.So until next month my friends, I bid you farewell.

 

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE

          “Building Blocks to a Stronger Marriage: Communication”

 

 

 

Intro.

 

1. Communication is a building block of any successful relationship:

 

a. God communicates to us all through His Son, Heb 1:1-2; Acts 20:32.

 

b. Children of God communicate with their Heavenly Father through prayer, Matt 6:9.

 

c. Parents and children must talk with each other, Eph 6:4.

 

d. Husbands and wives must communicate effectively to strengthen the tie that binds…

 

2. So, why do husbands and wives fail to effectively communicate?

 

 

 

I. Reasons husbands and wives do not communicate effectively…

A. They Begin taking Each Other for Granted. (Wasn’t always so)

 

1. Love does not assume or take for granted; it cherishes and delights in the one it loves, cf. SS 2:3; 3:1-4.

 

2. World says: “familiarity breeds contempt”; but God says get familiar and stay that way! Gen 2:21-23 (18)

 

B. They want to Avoid a Confrontation.

 

1. Past conflict can prevent present communication, Prov 21:9, 19.

 

2. Can convince ourselves it “won’t do any good”; and, if we react toward each other in negative ways – we are right! (Col 4:6)

 

3. Break the cycle of conflict, silence and avoidance:

 

a. With a soft answer, Prov 15:1-2.

 

b. By stopping the arguing and reconcile, Prov 20:3; Matt 5:23-24.

 

c. With a real commitment to listen to each other, Jas 1:19.

 

d. By removing wrath from your heart, Prov 15:18 (29:22).

 

e. By always thinking the best of each other, 1 Cor 13:5.

 

C. They are Obsessed with their Own Interests, 1 Cor 13:5.

 

1. Sin of selfishness (no self-control, 2 Tim 3:3; Gal 5:23) Phil 2:4.

 

2. How/where we spend our time, money, interest equates to value, devotion, security and trust (Lk 12:15; Matt 16:26).

 

a. Husband whose first concern is his own satisfaction is not following Christ, Eph 5:25 (1 Tim 5:8).

 

b. Wife whose first concern is her own pleasure is not following Christ, Eph 5:22, 24 (Prov 31:27).

 

3. Solution: Concerted effort to be interested in what interests your spouse. Eccl 4:9-12

 

a. Do things together: Children, recreation, etc.

 

b. Nurture your shared faith: Worship together, etc.

 

D. They Feel that they are Being Manipulated.

 

1. Joke: “Husband is the head, but the wife is the neck that turns the head!” may be funny, but it describes a dysfunctional relationship that is not honoring God’s arrangement for marriage. Eph 5:33

 

2. Why does a husband feel like he is being manipulated?

 

a. Maybe because he is; He is silenced into submission (compliance) by a domineering wife, cf. 1 Pet 3:3-6.

 

b. Maybe because he is not leading firmly, decisively and consistently, cf. 1 Pet 3:6. (Sarah couldn’t obey if Abraham wasn’t leading!)

 

3. Why does a wife feel like she is being manipulated?

 

a. Maybe because the husband only shows interest in her when he wants something for himself! 1 Pet 3:7

 

b. Contributes to resentment, distrust and animosity.

 

4. Communication is “sharing” – not controlling, cf. Rom 12:10.

 

E. They Say They are too Busy to take the Time, Eph 5:16.

 

1. Communication takes a commitment of time, cf. Col 4:5-6.

 

2. “I have no time” can be an easy excuse for couples to close off their hearts from one another.

 

3. We have time to watch TV, play video game, ride the bicycle, take a walk, etc. – Time can be made to attend to your relationship by simply talking to and listening to each other.

 

4. Don’t be a Martha and miss your opportunity, Lk 10:38-42.

 

F. They Don’t Want to Hurt the Other Person, Prov 27:5-6, 17; 28:23.

 

1. First, do you want to help your spouse? (Sometimes help hurts)

 

2. Second, are you willing to accept help from your spouse – even if it exposes your shortcoming, fault or sin?

 

3. Humble hearts are necessary in order to give correction to and to receive correction from our spouses! Rom 12:16

 

4. Solution: We must help each other know that we always have their best interest at heart, cf. Eph 5:26-27.

 

5. Goal: Strengthen each other and help each other go to heaven!

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. A marriage without communication is like a car without fuel; it won’t go very far for very long…it will sputter and die!

 

2. Rom 12:9-13, 16: Communication will be the natural product of building our marriages upon sincerity and goodness (9), kind affection and honoring preference (10), diligent service (11), joyful hope, patient steadfastness and prayer (12), sympathetic giving and unity (13, 16).

 

WANTED: PARENTS WHO WILL BRING THEIR CHILDREN UP TO LOVE GOD AND A DESIRE TO SERVE HIM

          ”Nurturing Children or Raisin’ Cain?”

 

 

 

Intro.

 

1. Request: Please do a lesson on raising children (scriptures) with love and discipline.

 

2. The question implies a link between discipline, love, & proper rearing of children. That linkage is proper (1 Ths. 2:11-12; Heb. 12:5-6, 10-11).

 

3. Children are our inheritance from God – Psa. 127:3 (Prov. 17:6).

 

4. Goal: Present our children to the Lord – Gen. 18:19; 1 Sam. 1:22; 2:11.

 

5. Heavenly Father knows best how to rear children. Listen to His word of wisdom, or we are liable to ‘raise Cain’ instead of rearing children!

 

 

 

I. COMPREHENSIVE NATURE OF DISCIPLINE – Eph. 6:4.

 

A. Instruction – cf. Prov. 1:8-9.

 

1. Teach about life; teach word of God, Deut. 4:8-10; 6:4-9; 11:18-19.

 

2. Training in righteousness (cf. Timothy, 2 Tim. 3:15).

 

B. Correction – Prov. 3:12, 13:24; 22:15; 29:17.

 

 

 

II. DIVINE GUIDANCE ON REARING CHILDREN.

 

A. Insist that Your Children Obey You – Eph. 6:1-3. (Teach & correct)

 

1. “The thing that impresses me the most about America is the way parents obey their children.” (King Edward VIII, 1894 – 1972)

 

2. “There was a time when we expected nothing of our children but obedience, as opposed to the present, when we expect everything of them but obedience.” (Anatole Broyard) cf. Prov. 30:11

 

3. Jesus & His parents – Lk. 2:51.

 

4. Eli & his sons – 1 Sam. 2:12, 22-25, 29; 3:13.

 

B. Praise as Well as Punish.

 

1. Make the punishment fit the offense (cf. Eli, 1 Sam. 2:22-24).

 

2. Punishment w/o praise will break a child’s spirit – Col. 3:21 (“to be disheartened, dispirited, broken in spirit”).

 

3. Be fair-minded & just.

 

C. Give Them What They Need, Not Necessarily What They Want – Matt. 7:8-11.

 

1. “It is not giving children more that spoils them; it is giving them more to avoid confrontation. (John Gray, “Children Are From Heaven”)

 

2. Say “yes” when you can & “no” when you must!

 

D. Be Consistent– 1 Sam. 2:12, 22; 3:13.

 

1. In teaching, correction (Follow through; Stay in control).

 

2. Practice what you preach (2 Tim. 1:5).

 

E. Do Not Show Favoritism – Gen. 26:28; 37:3.

 

-Recognize & respect individuality while remaining impartial.

 

F. Work Together – Lk. 2:51 (cf. Gen. 27:5).

 

1. Children sense conflict between parents & exploit it! (Matt. 12:25)

 

2. Share & help each other with the children, the home, etc.

 

G. Find & Develop the Child’s “Way” – Prov. 22:6.

 

1. Don’t try to make him/her into what you wanted to be, but weren’t.

 

2. Give direction & discipline fit for each – cf. Eccl. 2:3; 5:18-19; 12:1.

 

3. “The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children. (Elain Heffner, O Magazine, May 2003)

 

H. Set Godly Examples – Isa. 39:4; Prov. 4:1-4 (2 Tim. 1:5).

 

1. Love God (Matt. 22:37): Obey, worship, put Him first, etc.

 

2. Love man (Matt. 22:39): Honesty, fairness, kindness, mercy, etc.

 

I. Pray for God’s Help – Judg. 13:8-9; Jas. 1:5-8 (Phil. 4:6-7).

 

-Rely on God’s truth to direct you – Prov. 3:5-6.

 

J. Be Patient.

 

1. Start early in life – 2 Tim. 3:15 (cf. Hannah & Samuel; Jochebed & Moses).

 

2. Stay the course – Prov. 19:18; 23:13-14; 29:15.

 

K. Confess & Repent When You Sin against Your Children – cf. Jas. 5:16.

 

-Parents sin against their children (Col. 3:21). Deal with it God’s way!

 

L. Remember: The Responsibility & Accountability is Yours.

 

1. Seek counsel – cf. Tit. 2:4; Prov. 11:14; 15:22.

 

2. Filter the well-meaning advice, suggestions, recommendations of others through the sieve of truth & wisdom.

 

3. Beware of intrusive meddlers & meddling – 1 Pet. 4:15.

 

4. Everyone is an expert: “Before I got married I had six theories bringing up children; now I have six children and no theories.” (John Wilmot)

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. Men are generally more careful of the breed of their horses and dogs than of their children.” (William Penn, 1644 – 1718)

 

2. Children deserve our careful attention (Prov. 29:15).

 

3. Use God’s word – not human theories & “wisdom” – to teach us to train up our children in the “training and admonition of the Lord.”

 

PROV. 15:20 “A FOOL DESPISES HIS MOTHER”

                                      A Mother’s Love

 

Intro.

 

1. Someone said, “A mother’s love is instinctual, unconditional, and forever” (unknown). Yet, there is evil in this world, and a mother’s love is not always “instinctual” (In US over 200 children/yr. killed by their mother, “Mothers who kill their Babies”, Clint Van Sandt, Newsvine.com).

 

2. Although most mothers would not dream of killing their children it should be noted that a mother’s love that pleases God is learned by instruction and admonition, Titus 2:4. (A mother who refuses instruction will not be a good teacher of her children!)

 

3. “A mother loves her children even when they least deserve to be loved.” (Kate Samperi, “Mothers”) The value of a mother’s love cannot be measured in currency, but in the moral character, wisdom and training she gives her children, Prov 6:20-24.

 

 

 

I. A MOTHER PROTECTS HER CHILDREN.

 

“A mother understands what a child does not say.” (Jewish proverb)

 

A. The Nurturing of a Mother Lasts a Lifetime.

 

-cf. Mary: From the cradle to the cross, she was there.

 

B. Jochebed: A Mother’s Protection, Exo 1:22-2:10 (Heb 11:23).

 

1. She literally gave to get (gave up her child to save him).

 

2. A godly mother protects her children from hunger (with food), from ignorance (with truth), from selfishness (with charity), and from unbelief (with an obedient faith), Prov 31:15, 19-22, 25-28.

 

3. Manage the home and you protect him from loneliness and doubt (1 Tim 5:14).

 

4. Teach your child God’s word and you protect him from sin (Psa 119:9-11).

 

5. Set example of purity and you protect your child from evil (he learns holiness). cf. 1 Pet 3:1-4

 

 

 

* CHILDREN: Honor your mother for her protection; keep on listening to her; obey her and be blessed! Prov 23:22-25; 19:26-27; 30:17

 

 

 

II. A MOTHER PRAYS FOR HER CHILDREN.

 

A. Faith in God is the Center of her Life, Prov 31:10, 30.

 

1. She trusts in God before herself, her husband and her children.

 

2. She follows God’s ways of motherhood, not the latest “fad” and philosophy on child rearing.

 

B. Hannah: A Mother who was Heard of God, 1 Sam 1:10-12, 20.

 

1. Pray always for your children (1 Ths 5:17; Jug 13:8).

 

2. Prayer shows you trust God to know what is best for your children!

 

 

 

* CHILDREN: Live in a way that answers her prayers! Prov 17:25, 21; 15:20

 

 

 

III. A MOTHER PREPARES HER CHILDREN. [“No influence is so powerful as that of the mother.” (Sarah Josepha Hale) “A good mother is worth hundreds of schoolmasters.” (George Herbert)]

 

A. A Mother Prepares her Children for Many Things, Including…

 

1. For life (remember the 1st day of school?).

 

2. For love (by teaching…by showing it).

 

3. For faith (by living…by example…by teaching).

 

B. Bible Mothers Who Prepared their Children:

 

1. Hannah, 1 Sam 1:23-28; 2:19.

 

2. Mary, Lk 2:48, 51-52.

 

3. Eunice and Lois, 2 Tim 1:5; 3:15 (Acts 16:1-2).

 

 

 

* CHILDREN: Accept your mother’s preparations and thank her for all she does for you! Prov 1:8-9; Luke 2:51-52

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. Do not “rob” your mother of the honor she is due for the good things she has done for you; Do not despise her by rejecting the protection, prays and preparations she gives you every day! Prov 28:24; 30:11

 

2. What a debt we owe our mothers!

 

3. Give honor to mothers by being true to Almighty God, who gave motherhood to the world, and who gave us our mothers!

 

4. A fool despises his mother, Prov 15:20.

 

A MESSAGE TO ALL OF OUR GRADUATES BOTH PAST AND PRESENT

                              GOD’S ADVICE TO OUR YOUNG GRADUATES

 

Intro.

 

1. The state of our youth (Socrates, c. 400 BC; sermon in AD 1274).

 

2. Young people are facing & making choices that will stay with you for the rest of your life (education, dating/marriage, drugs, alcohol, gangs, etc.). – cf. Deut. 30:15

 

3. Most important decision you can make is to serve God.

 

4. Eccl. 11:9-12:1 – Wise advice to young people (any age).

 

 

 

-[Three R's for educating young people.]

 

 

 

I. REJOICE IN YOUR YOUTH – 11:9.

 

A. Being Young Is A Blessing From God – cf. 12:3-8.

 

1. Strength – Prov. 20:29. (cf. 1 Sam. 17:35-37; Psa. 27:1)

 

2. Adventure, new things to learn, explore, experience.

 

B. God Wants You to Enjoy Being Young!

 

1. Rejoice – “To be glad, to cheer up, be happy” – Pursue wholesome pleasure – 3:12-13, 22; 5:18; 11:8.

 

2. Remember: Something does not have to be sinful/wrong for it to be fun! (Smoking, drinking, violence, dirty jokes…)

 

C. God Wants You To Know That You Will Answer To Him For Your Conduct While You Are Young.

 

1. Chose your activities knowing they will be judged.

 

2. Cf. Parents fill role of judge for a time (teach the lesson).

 

3. God sees all / judges all [you will answer for all].

 

4. Some grown-ups do not want to put this responsibility upon their children (or themselves) — But God already has!

 

a. Do you understand sin? Is there sin in your life? What will happen to you if you are not saved from your sins? Who Jesus is? What He did for you? What should you do for Him?

 

b. Accountability means you are responsible & that you will answer for your conduct. – 2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:14.

 

 

 

II. REMOVE THE CAUSE OF SORROW: SIN – 11:10.

 

A. Being Young Is Not An Excuse To Sin.

 

1. Sin brings spiritual death/present difficulties.

 

2. Find genuine joy in your youth by removing evil which causes pain & sorrow – cf. Lk. 2:52.

 

3. Being young is not completely satisfying (“vanity”).

 

B. Remove Sin From Your Life (The Cause Of Sorrow) – Psa. 119:9. (We all sin — it is what we do about it that makes the difference!)

 

1. Become a Christian (H-B-R-C-B).

 

2. Live for Jesus – Be faithful (Matt. 7:21).

 

3. Run from sin & to good – 2 Tim. 2:22.

 

4. Be careful of the friends you choose – Prov. 1:10-16.

 

-2 Corinthians 7:1-

 

 

 

III. REMEMBER GOD – 12:1.

 

A. Think About God Now…Today And Every Day! – Prov. 3:1-2

 

1. Joseph – (Gen. 39:1) – At 17 (37:2), he remembered God though in a far away land!

 

2. Samuel – (1 Sam. 3:10) – As a child he was ready to hear God speak.

 

3. David (1 Sam. 17:33, 37) – He remembered God’s power to save. (Great faith).

 

4. Josiah (2 Chrn. 34:1-3); At 16 he began to seek God & aggressively combat sin. You can seek God & defend truth, too.

 

5. Daniel & his companions (Dan. 1:8-16) – Remembered it is more important not to defile themselves than to go along with the crowd.

 

6. Timothy (2 Tim. 4:12) – Remembered to set an example of godliness from his youth up.

 

7. Jesus (Lk. 2:49) – Always remembered to obey God.

 

B. Things That Will Help You Remember God:

 

1. Make up your mind…Now! – Josh. 24:15

 

2. Learn the Bible – Rom. 10:17.

 

3. Obey God – Heb. 5:9 (Jesus saves those who obey).

 

4. Pray – 1 Ths. 5:17.

 

5. Praise (worship) God – Psa. 148:12-13.

 

6. Eccl. 12:1 – You are setting a pattern for the rest of your life right now!

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. Eccl. 11:9-12:1 – Youth are to rejoice in all good things that give the heart true happiness (v. 9).

 

a. Put aside sin because it interferes with true joy (v. 10).

 

b. Know that only by remembering God while you are young will you find true happiness throughout life (v. 1).

 

2. Eccl. 12:13 – This is your duty, too!

 

 

 

 

 

Citations

 

THE STATE OF YOUTH

 

 

 

“Our youths love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority—they show disrespect for their elders and love to chatter in places of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when their elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up food, and tyrannize teachers.”

 

 

 

(Attributed to Socrates, c. 400 BC)

 

Attributed to SOCRATES by Plato, according to William L. Patty and Louise S. Johnson, Personality and Adjustment, p. 277 (1953)

 

 

 

—

 

 

 

“The world is passing through troublous times. The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they knew everything, and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness with them. As for the girls, they are forward, immodest and unladylike in speech, behavior and dress.”

 

IF THE FOUNDATIONS ARE DESTROYED, WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO?

                          When Foundations Crumble”

 

                                        Psalm 11

 

 

 

This Psalm could equally be titled, “What can the righteous do?” or “Panic and Stability”. This Psalm contains “faith’s response to fear’s counsel. The psalmist is in danger from the wicked, who are bending their bows and shooting at him, and either his friends or his enemies are advising him to take flight” (Psalms, Volume 1, Boice, p. 91).

 

 

11:1 “How can you say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’”: This could have been advice that David was hearing from his enemies (Nehemiah 6:10-13), or even more dangerous, well-meaning but erroneous advice from his friends, like Peter’s advice to Jesus in Matthew 16:22. “The plea to get away into hiding is still ringing in David’s ears as he begins his reply” (Kidner p. 73). One can understand why advisors might give David this advice, that is, David is the mainstay of the people, the one man supposedly holding the nation together, his life must be saved at all cost. 11:2 “To shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart”: “An ambush is being set. Known enemies can be dealt with; it is the unknown who are so intimidating” (Mastering the Old Testament, Psalms 1-72, Donald Williams, p. 100). “The longing for flight may come from David’s own fear—-an outside advisor. He is faced with the alternative that confronts us all in crises: make God your refuge or try to create your own. The ultimate issue is whether we will trust Him or trust ourselves. Who will be the effective God in our lives?” (p. 100). Yet for an answer, “David will look up and see the immense realities that overshadow these events” (Kidner p. 73).

 

 

11:3 “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”: This is a statement that may have been made by those giving David the advice to flee. David’s advisers were afraid because they saw only frightening circumstances and crumbling foundations. “More than fifty years ago Arno. C. Gabelein called this the burning question of our day” (Boice p. 91).

 

 

 

What Can The Righteous Do When…..

 

 

Morality is undermined and evil sweeps unchecked?

 

The Bible is attacked and its teachings are ridiculed and ignored?

 

Even professed Christians support the rising tide of unbelief?

 

Family values are crumbling and the tide of frequent divorce sweeps forward with increasing damage to children, parents, and society alike?

 

Everything around us seems to be giving way?

 

 

This is still a common question among God’s people. It is frustrating to feel powerless in the face of crumbling foundations, and some become convinced that there is nothing we can do. Added to this, some follow the poor advice of “flee”, or in our modern times, “hunker down, get in the bunker, save yourself and your children and withdraw completely from society”. When the foundations are crumbling the temptation is to stop speaking, and stop being the city set on the hill. “What can the righteous do? They can go on being righteous. And they can stand against the evil of their society… The one thing they must not do is, ‘flee to the mountains’” (Boice p. 95).

 

 

11:4 “The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven”:

 

 

It is interesting that the question being asked by those controlled by fear is “What can the righteous do?”, yet the real question is, “To whom shall the righteous look?” There is nothing they can do if they look to themselves, however there is a lot they can do if they look to the Lord. The Lord is the only one to whom we can look when the foundations are shaken, “and He is the only one to whom we must look if we are to stand firm in unsettling times” (Boice p. 94).

 

 

11:4 “Is in His Holy Temple”: People had advised David to flee and hide in face of the opposition, yet the Lord that David serves has not fled. “The Lord’s throne is in heaven”: While it looks like the moral foundations among men are crumbling the truth is that God still reigns from heaven and all the eternal foundations are firm and secure. “The King is in residence, not in flight. His city ‘has foundations’, therefore the question of verse 3 can be asked without despair” (Kidner p. 73). So when David looks to the Lord who dwells in His holy temple and reigns on His throne, he is looking to the Lord as the moral standard by whom the thoughts, words and actions of all men will be judged. Remember:

 

 

Even if no one believes in God, God still exists.

 

Even if no one believes that the Bible is the word of God, it is still the truth.

 

Even if no one cares for the teachings of the Bible they will still judge everyone on the last day.

 

Even if no one thinks that judgment day will arrive, Jesus will still come and execute His judgment.

 

New Testament Christians also lived during a time of “crumbling foundations”, yet they were reminded that God’s truth was still valid, the eternal foundations were still in tact; do not be deceived when people claim otherwise (Ephesians 5:6).

 

 

11:4 “His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men”: Notice how “looking up” solves all David’s fears and problems. When he remembers that God has not fled and that God still reigns he also remembers God observes all that people do (see Proverbs 15:3). David does not need to flee when people seek to ambush him from the darkness (11:2). Although the righteous may never see those who spread rumors about them or seek to undermine their efforts, the all-seeing Lord that we serve sees them.

 

 

11:5 “The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked”: When God seems to move slowly this should not be interpreted as inaction or apathy. “His stillness is not inertia but concentration, and His patience gives opportunity to both the righteous and the wicked to show what they are made of” (Kidner pp. 73-74). So when the foundations appear to be crumbling in a culture, this is a test:

 

 

The righteous are tested. We will give up? We will join the rebellion? Will we stop speaking and seek a temporary but futile “safety”? Or, will we continue to be vocal and righteous?

 

The wicked are tested. Will they see the error of their ways? Will they own up to the fact that their efforts to undermine moral foundations are an attack upon their own survival? That attacking God’s truth or His people is a sort of self-cannalization?

 

 

11:5 “And the one who loves violence His soul hates”: “What do we do when the foundations are destroyed? Psalm 11 answers this question by giving us another foundation: Trust in the Lord. Make Him our security, our refuge. Know that He inhabits eternity and reigns over the chaos of this world. His throne is in heaven. His moral order and kingdom transcend this world and cannot be overthrown. He is the just judge who tries all hearts and hates men of violence” (Williams p. 102). Even Christians can end up putting their confidence or trying their faith to the wrong things. We get discouraged when we hear surveys that mention declining morals or a lessening of religious fervor in our nation. And the wicked tend to rejoice at the same news, but none of this impacts the true foundations. Even if every Christian on earth ceased to exist, the real foundations would be just as sound and firm. Only eight people believed in God at one time on the earth (2 Peter 2:5), yet God was just as powerful and intervened. The foundations are still in tact!

 

 

11:6 “Upon the wicked He will rain snares”: God not only reigns, He observes all men, examines and tests the righteous and the wicked, and lastly He prepares judgments for the wicked. “They may be preparing to shoot at the righteous from the shadows. But the Lord will protect the righteous, and in the end the wicked will themselves be shot at and destroyed. None of this is fantasizing or mere wishful thinking on David’s part” (Boice pp. 95-96). “Fire and brimstone”: This clearly seems to be a reference to the historical destruction that befell the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). It reminds us that the Bible is not a book of empty threats; God’s judgments do come (2 Peter 3:10). Neither is this statement some “mean-spirited and unspiritual attitude found in the Old Testament”, the same reality was noted by Jesus (Matthew 25:41) and the apostles (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

 

 

11:7 “For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face”: The reason that the upright will behold His face is because God loves upright individuals. The intense hatred that His has for not only violent individuals but also the arrogant and the immoral (Revelation 21:8) is more than equaled by an intense love for godly people. The person who believes that God will just save most people in the end, no matter what they believe or how they live, has completely missed the point that God is a holy God. In addition, what overshadows David’s true statements about the fate of the wicked is his own fate and the fate of all the righteous. The reason that David is not discouraged by the idea of so many people ending up in hell is that the prospect of him being in heaven overshadows such a reality. The believer desires people to be saved but in the end the believer is completely focused on the glories of heaven. “The foundations of righteousness are none other than His nature and will: what He is and what He loves (7). And if the first line of the psalm showed where the believer’s safety lies, the last line shows where his heart should be. God as ‘refuge’ may be sought from motives that are all too self-regarding; but to behold His face is a goal in which only love has any interest” (Kidner p. 74).

 

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THE POWERFUL WORD OF GOD?

                         “The Powerful Word of God”

 

Intro.

 

1. If our word expresses who and what we are, how much more does the word of God do so of Him?

 

2. God’s word is not bound (restrained), 2 Tim 2:9 (Isa 55:11).

 

3. God’s word is a powerful instrument, Heb 4:12.

 

a. Word of Christ is powerful (Lk 4:32, 36; 5:1).

 

b. Those who hear and keep God’s word are blessed (Lk 11:28).

 

4. Why we must know God’s word, Psa 119:1-8: Blessed and undefiled (1-2), avoid sin and no shame (3-6), praise God (7), obey God (8).

 

5. The power of God’s word compels responses of trust and obedience in us.

 

 

 

I. GOD’S WORD: A CREATIVE FORCE.

 

A. The Physical World, Heb 11:3; 2 Pet 3:5; Gen 1:3, 6; Psa 33:4-9.

 

B. Man’s Spiritual Life, Matt 4:4.

 

1. Power to produce faith, Rom 10:17.

 

2. Power to save, Rom 1:16; Jno 8:31-32, 51; 17:17; Acts 13:26; 2 Cor 5:19; Eph 1:13; 5:26; Jas 1:18, 21; 1 Pet 1:22-23.

 

 

 

II. GOD’S WORD: A SUSTAINING FORCE.

 

A. The Physical World, Heb 1:3 (preservation); 2 Pet 3:7 (Psa 147:15-18).

 

B. Man’s Spiritual Life, 2 Pet 1:3; Matt 13:23.

 

1. Spiritual growth, 1 Pet 2:2.

 

2. Protection against evil, Eph 6:17; 1 Jno 2:14.

 

3. Instruction in righteousness, 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2:15.

 

4. Hope and grace, Col 1:5-6.

 

 

 

III. GOD’S WORD: A JUDGING FORCE.

 

A. The Physical World, cf. 2 Pet 3:7, 10, 12.

 

B. Our Life on Earth, Jno 12:48; Rev 20:12.

 

1. Our words, Matt 12:36-37.

 

2. Our thoughts and motives, 1 Cor 4:5.

 

3. Our actions, 2 Cor 5:10.

 

4. Our religious beliefs and practices, 2 Tim 4:1-4.

 

 

 

IV. PRACTICAL RESULTS OF HONORING THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD (what we will do when we honor God’s word):

 

A. Spend Time with God’s Word, Psa 119:97; 1:2.

 

B. Use God’s Word Every Day in your Life, Psa 119:104-105, 133.

 

C. Share God’s Word with Others, Mk 16:15.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. God is active in the world and in your life through His powerful word:

 

a. In the world: God is holding all things together, and offering salvation to a lost world through faith that will obey the word of Jesus Christ.

 

b. In you: As you obey God’s word, Phil 2:12-13.

 

2. Man’s word has no power to create or save. All of our judgments will be judged by the One who judges all.

 

3. We must conform to His word; Live under its power and receive its blessings.

 

WHEN YOU LOOK INTO THE MIRROR; “WHAT DO YOU SEE?”

                                 “The Mirror of the Soul”

TEXT: James 1:22-23

INTRODUCTION:

 

A. DIFFERENT FIGURES USED TO DESCRIBE THE WORD

 

SWORD, LIGHT, MIRROR, etc.

 

B. MIRRORS USED TO EXAMINE SELF – BIBLE REVEALS SELF TO US.

 

C. WHAT IS MAN? WHAT AM I LIKE? PROPER USE OF MIRROR REVEALS.

I. THE WORD REVEALS OUR ORIGIN.

 

A. BOTH HUMBLE AND SUBLIME ( Gen. 2:7; 1:26 ).

 

B. THIS TELLS US SOMETHING OF OUR NATURE ( Acts 17:28-29 ).

 

C. WE UNDERSTAND THAT OUR CREATOR CARES ( Acts 17:25; Jas. 1:17-18 ).

 

D. IT SAYS SOMETHING OF OUR OBLIGATIONS ( Isa. 44:21; Rom. 1:20; 2:4 ).

II. THE WORD TELLS US OUR VALUE.

 

A. WHAT ELSE HAVE WE GOT BESIDES OURSELVES ( Matt. 16:26 ).

 

B. ONLY ONE SOUL – ONCE CHANCE ( Luke 16:26 ).

 

C. OUR SOUL WILL NEVER DIE!

 

1. Not even in HELL ( Mark 9:48 ).

 

2. Man can’t kill it ( Matt. 10:28 ).

 

3. It doesn’t cease with the body ( Ecc. 12:7 ).

 

D. IT’S VALUE IS SEEN IN GOD’S ATTITUDE TOWARD IT.

 

1. Aware of each individual ( Matt. 10:29-31 ).

 

2. He wants all to be saved ( 1 Tim. 2:3-4 ).

 

3. His love provides for us ( John 3:16; Rom. 5:8 ).

 

4. Man must choose ( Rev. 22:17; Matt. 7:13-14 ).

III. THE WORD REVEALS OUR PURPOSE.

 

A. MAN IS SPECIAL( Psa. 8:4-6 ).

 

B. MAN IS FRAIL ( Psa. 144:3-4; 39:4-5 ).

 

C. MAN SHOULD SEEK HIS PURPOSE ( Psa. 90:10-12 ).

 

D. GOD REVEALS IT – NOTHING ELSE IS OF CONSEQUENCE ( Ecc.12:13-14 ).

IV. THE WORD REVEALS OUR CONDITION.

 

A. AT FIRST, CLEAN, LIKE GOD ( Gen. 1:26 ).

 

1. Mankind not created sinful or to sin, neither does he inherit guilt ( Ez. 18:20 ).

 

2. What about 1 Cor. 15:22; Rom. 5;12?

 

B. AT PRESENT, SINNERS DISFIGURED ( Rom. 3:9, 23; 5:12 ).

 

C. FUTURE: SAVED, RENEWED ( Col. 3:9-10; 2 Cor. 5:17 ).

 

LOST, HARDENED ( 2 Cor. 6:1; Phil. 3:18-19 ).

 

D. THE FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS ( Rev. 22:17; Ez. 33:10-11 ).

 

E. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE FAR REACHING ( Matt. 25:46 ).

V. HOW SHOULD THE MIRROR BE USED?

 

A. CONSTANTLY( Psa. 1:1-2 ).

 

B. STUDIOUSLY( 1 Pet. 2:1-2; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Tim. 2:15 ).

 

C. HONESTLY ( Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 10:12 ).

 

D. INTROSPECTIVELY ( 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Cor. 11:28; 1 Tim. 4:16 ).

 

E. UNSELFISHLY ( 2 Tim. 4:2 ).

CONCLUSION:

 

A. ARE YOU CLEAN?

 

B. WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE MIRROR IF WE REACT IMPROPERLY TO

 

WHAT WE SEE? ( James 1:22-25 ).

 

OUR MONDAY MORNING MESSENGER—MY FAVORITE WRITER!!

 

                          Psalm 22: A Brief Analysis

By Wayne Jackson

 

Psalm 22 has been a favorite of mine for many years, the reason being because of its wonderful messianic thrust. It contains so many powerful thoughts regarding the Savior, and His death on our behalf, that the Christian cannot but be stirred by it. The psalm logically divides into five segments. Consider these enriching treasures of truth.

Christ’s Rejection by God (1-5)

 

It may seem curious to say that Jesus was rejected by God, but, in a certain sense, that is very true. The song begins with the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” -an echo from the cross, of course (Mt. 27:46). The Lord Jesus was “forsaken” by the Father in the sense that God allowed him to drink the full measure of suffering and death (without intervening – see Mt. 26:53) because of His great love for humanity (Jn. 3:16). Divine “justice” was thus satisfied (Isa. 53:11; Rom. 3:25-26), and mercy was extended to Adam’s sinful family (Eph. 2:4). What a magnificent plan!

Christ’s Rejection by Man (6-13)

 

At the hands of cruel men, the Son of God was treated as a “worm.” He was despised, ridiculed, and abused. Nevermind. Jesus’ trust was focused in His Father — a confidence instilled in him by his mother from the days she tenderly cradled Him on her breasts. What a tribute to the sweet maiden from Nazareth.

Christ’s Ordeal at Calvary (14-18)

 

The cruelty of the crucifixion is poignantly depicted — bones out of joint, parched tongue, pierced hands and feet. The physical pain and emotional turmoil are incalculable. And all the while hardened soldiers -unmoved by the drama – gambled for his garments. Such insensitivity finds a modern counterpart in many a man today.

Christ’s Prayer for Deliverance (19-21)

 

In the hour of darkness, hope could be found only in God. “Stay close to me, Lord … save me from the beasts that would devour me,” is his pleading sentiment. In times of dire need, to whom else can we turn? Happily, however, in this time of danger, the Lord exclaims: “You answered me!” Compare with this the thought expressed in Hebrews 5:7; in the trying ordeal of Gethsemane, He was “heard on account of his godly fear.”

Christ’s Thanksgiving for Victory (22-31)

 

The Savior breaks forth in an anthem of praise in the midst of God’s people. Jehovah is to be extolled. He did not abandon the son of Mary; rather, He “heard” the cries of His suffering child. There is the implication here of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead by the hand of God Almighty. No wonder, then, at the praise that issues from the Lord’s grateful lips.

 

Finally, what should be the effect of these amazing events? Grateful people from the “ends of the earth” are invited to “turn unto Jehovah,” to come and “worship” before Him — honoring Him who is ruler of the nations and whose plan will not be thwarted.

 

From generation to generation — let the saving message go forth.

 

THE MESSIAH’S MESSENGER— THERE’S NONE GREATER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST

                                   “The Messiah’s Messenger”

 

 

 

Intro.

 

1. John the Baptist is a hero of faith, Lk. 1: 15-16, 76-79; 3:18-20.

 

2. John had a vital part in God’s scheme of redemption – Announced the coming king and prepared the people’s hearts to receive Him.

 

3. The king’s kingdom is approaching and John is sent to get people ready for it, Matthew 3.

 

 

 

I. JOHN’S MESSAGE AND LIFE, Matt. 3:1-10.

 

A. John Fulfilled Prophecy:

 

1. Voice in wilderness, Matt. 3:3 (Isa. 40:3-5); Lk. 3:4-6.

 

2. Messenger of preparation, Mal. 3:1.

 

3. Elijah of promise, Mal. 4:5-6 (Matt. 11:14)

 

a. Clearly identified, Matt. 11:14.

 

b. Spirit and power…, Lk. 1:16-17.

 

c. “Restore all things” (Matt. 17:11; cf. 1 Kgs. 18:37).

 

B. The Kingdom is Near, Matt. 3:2 (Mk. 1:15).

 

1. The expectation of Israel, Dan. 2:44; 7:13-14, 17-18.

 

a. Mk. 9:1 (Acts 1:8; 2) – Fulfills Dan. 2:44.

 

b. Heb. 12:28 – Fulfills Dan. 7:18.

 

C. Message of Repentance, Matt. 3:2.

 

1. Turn people back to God’s law, Mal. 4:6; Lk. 1:16-17, 77.

 

2. Warned of wrath to come, Matt. 3:7, 10; Mal. 4:5-6.

 

3. Baptism of repentance, Matt. 3:5-6; Mark 1:1-5 (Lk. 3:3).

 

4. Fruits of repentance, Matt. 3:7-10; Lk. 3:10-14 (Acts 26:20).

 

D. John’s Life of Self-Denial, Matt. 3:4; Matt. 11:7-8.

 

1. Austere, rugged and self-denying in both food and clothing; Reminiscent of Elijah (2 Kgs. 1:8).

 

2. His self-denying lifestyle (food/clothing) was a living protest against the selfishness and self-indulgence of his day.

 

E. Lessons:

 

#1: God keeps His word (fulfilled prophecy).

 

#2: The kingdom exists now (Col. 1:13).

 

#3: Repentance is crucial (Lk. 13:3, 5; 2 Pet. 3:9).

 

#4: We must deny ourselves to live for God (Lk. 9:23).

 

 

 

II. SOME CONTRASTS WITH JOHN, Matt. 3:11-12.

 

A. With Jesus: Jesus was Mightier than John, 3:11; cf. Jno. 3:28-30.

 

1. John’s reverence for Jesus, Matt. 3:14.

 

2. John rejoiced in being a servant of the Christ, Jno. 3:29.

 

B. With Mankind: None Greater than John, Matt. 11:9-11a.

 

1. Much more than a prophet; Messiah’s messenger, 11:9-10.

 

2. None greater because of his work and humility, 11:11.

 

-What a commendation from Son of God!

 

C. With Kingdom Citizens: Not as Great as these, Matt. 11: 11b-12.

 

1. John was not an immediate participant in the kingdom (Calvary, Pentecost), 11:11b.

 

2. Forceful endeavor to enter the kingdom was the result of John’s work, 11:12 (Lk. 16:16).

 

D. Lessons:

 

#1: Should rejoice in being servants of Christ (1 Tim. 1:12; 1 Pet. 5:5).

 

#2: Be faithful in our work and receive Christ’s commendation (Lk. 16:10; Matt. 25:21).

 

#3: Cannot sleep your way into the kingdom (Lk. 13:23-24).

 

 

 

III. JOHN’S SERVICE, Matt. 3:13-17.

 

A. He Helped to Fulfill All Righteousness when He Baptized Jesus, Matt. 3:13-15.

 

1. Jesus came to do the will of God (Jno. 6:38; Heb. 10:7).

 

2. It was God’s will that men receive John’s message and baptism.

 

a. Therefore, righteousness was served.

 

B. John Helped Spread the Gospel by Identifying Jesus, Jno. 1:29-34.

 

-Once identified, John pointed others to Christ, Jno. 1:35-36; 3:25-31

 

C. Lessons:

 

#1: We must serve righteousness through obedience (Rom. 6:15-18).

 

#2: We must point others to Jesus, Jno. 1:40-42 (43-46).

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. John knew his role and did his work (Jno. 3:28).

 

2. John was a great man of faith.

 

3. You can be greater by serving righteousness in the kingdom of Christ! (Born of water and the Spirit greater than “born of women”) Heb. 12:28.